Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Exploring the Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re planning a trip to Hobart and looking for a way to combine wildlife, stunning scenery, and a bit of history, this Maria Island tour might catch your eye. It’s a well-loved experience, with a perfect 5-star rating from hundreds of reviews, and it’s clear why it’s highly recommended. The tour offers a mix of a scenic cruise, a guided walk through a UNESCO-listed convict settlement, and plenty of opportunities to spot native wildlife.

What we really like about this tour is how comprehensive it is—it covers both the natural beauty and the historical sides of Maria Island. Plus, the reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and fantastic wildlife sightings, making it seem like a surefire memorable day. On the flip side, a few travelers mentioned that the check-in process could improve, which is worth considering if you’re looking to keep things smooth.

This experience is perfect if you appreciate a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and wildlife, or if you’re simply after a hassle-free way to see some of Tasmania’s best scenery. It’s especially suited for those who want to relax on a boat while learning and observing in a small group, but it remains flexible enough for families and solo travelers alike.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines a scenic cruise, wildlife spotting, and a guided island walk.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable crew provide engaging commentary, making the trip educational and entertaining.
• Wildlife & Landscapes: Expect to see seals, dolphins, wombats, kangaroos, and other native animals, alongside impressive geological features.
• Value for Money: At around $211, the tour offers a full day of varied activities, lunch, drinks, and transport—most find it a good deal.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for children, with a vessel that’s safe, comfortable, and equipped for all weather.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Max 28 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The Scenic Cruise: Starting Your Adventure

The day begins at Brooke Street Pier in Hobart, where you’ll board an award-winning vessel for a 4-hour scenic cruise. This isn’t just a boat ride—it’s an exploration of Tasmania’s coast and surrounding isles. The reviews describe it as “exhilarating,” with opportunities to see dolphins, seals, and whales during migration. Expect commentary from a professional crew that makes the trip both educational and lively. The boat provides good shelter, a comfortable toilet, and options to sit inside or up top for the best views.

Many reviewers rave about how close they get to wildlife during the cruise. “Seeing dolphins playing along side the boat, seals napping on the rocks,” was a typical comment, alongside descriptions of “beautiful rock formations” and “fascinating geology.” The boat ride is often described as “a highlight,” with quite a few mentioning the experience of watching albatross and sea eagles soaring overhead.

The Island Stop: Maria Island’s Unique Charm

After cruising, you’ll land on Maria Island for a 2-hour guided walk through the UNESCO-listed Darlington Convict Settlement. Here, you’ll get to see the remnants of Tasmania’s convict past while soaking in the natural beauty. The guides are praised for their “knowledgeable” and “passionate” commentary, and many reviews say the walk exceeds expectations in terms of scenery and wildlife.

Keep an eye out for wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, and Cape Barren geese—Maria Island is considered one of the best places in the world to see wombats in the wild. Some guests even spot Tasmanian devils, adding a rare wildlife element to the tour. The walk covers historic buildings and scenic landscapes, giving a good balance of history and nature.

Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Highlights

Throughout the day, expect to see fur seals, dolphins, albatross, whales (during migration), and various bird species. Multiple reviewers highlight the “up-close views” of wildlife, with descriptions like “wombats just chilling” and “seal napping on the rocks.” The opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural environment is something many find unforgettable.

The geological scenery is also a major draw. Reviewers have noted “fascinating rock formations” and “beautiful bays,” making the boat’s panoramic views a real treat. The boat’s design allows for protection from the elements, so the experience remains comfortable even if the weather isn’t perfect.

Food and Drinks: What’s Included?

Regarding food, the tour includes lunch with a choice of healthy salads—such as chicken aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, or vegetarian options. Many reviewers appreciate the quality and variety, describing it as “delicious” and “more than enough.” The tour also provides snacks, water, coffee, tea, soda, and orange juice—important details that ensure you stay refreshed throughout the day.

Alcoholic drinks are available onboard, with a complimentary single serve during lunch. While some travelers love the relaxed atmosphere that drinks add, others might want to bring their own if they prefer a different selection or additional beverages.

Logistics and Comfort

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Hobart, with a shuttle bus departing from Brooke Street Pier. The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, making it quite a full day but one packed with variety. The small group size (up to 28 guests) means you’ll get plenty of space to move around, and the vessel’s safety measures, including seasickness tablets and waterproof gear, make it suitable for most travelers.

While most reviews mention the check-in process could improve—some say signage could be clearer—the staff and guides are consistently described as friendly, professional, and attentive. The vessel itself is described as safe, comfortable, and well-equipped, with facilities like a change room for swimming if you decide to take a dip.

Analyzing the Value

At around $211.59 per person, this tour offers quite a lot for the price. The inclusion of a scenic cruise, a guided walk, lunch, drinks, and transportation from Hobart makes it a convenient package. Many reviews call it “excellent value,” especially given the diversity of wildlife, scenery, and history packed into the day.

Travelers who love learning about geology, history, or wildlife will appreciate the detailed commentary and opportunities to see wombats, seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, with guides that are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in Australian history. It’s perfect if you want a full, engaging day out that balances scenic cruising with outdoor exploration. Families with children tend to find it suitable, thanks to the safety and comfort of the vessel and the chance to see animals in the wild.

If you’re after a relaxing yet educational day with good food and a small-group vibe, this trip ticks all boxes. However, if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a very rigid schedule, you might want to prepare accordingly or consider other options.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, you can opt for hotel pickup and drop-off from Hobart, with the shuttle departing from Brooke Street Pier.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including cruising, walking, and travel time.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see fur seals, dolphins, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, Cape Barren geese, and possibly Tasmanian devils and whales during migration.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is described as perfect for families and children, with a vessel designed for safety and comfort, plus wildlife viewing opportunities.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the cruise, guided walk, lunch, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), and transportation. Landing and facility fees are also included.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?
While alcoholic beverages are provided, you’re free to bring your own if you prefer, especially for additional drinks or snacks.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent and may be canceled if conditions are poor. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and be prepared for weather changes—waterproof jackets and pants are available onboard, but bringing layers is a good idea since it can be windy or cool at sea.

How many people are on the tour?
The group size is small, with a maximum of 28 travelers, making for a personal and relaxed experience.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
The guided walk on Maria Island lasts around 2 hours and involves exploring historic sites and natural scenery. It’s suitable for most fitness levels, but comfortable footwear is recommended.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re after a well-rounded day that combines Tasmania’s rugged coastline, diverse wildlife, and compelling history, this Maria Island tour delivers on many fronts. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate guided experiences, small group intimacy, and a good mix of outdoor adventure and cultural insight.

The reviews consistently praise the guides, wildlife sightings, and overall value, which is reassuring for anyone investing in a day trip. While the check-in process might be slightly confusing, most guests agree that the quality of the experience more than makes up for it. The inclusion of lunch, drinks, and transportation makes it an accessible and enjoyable way to spend a day exploring one of Tasmania’s most treasured spots.

If you want a day to unwind, learn, and see some of Australia’s iconic creatures and landscapes, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Happy travels, and I hope you get to enjoy the magic of Maria Island as much as many others have!